Finding a Slow Cooker That’s Right for You

Slow Cookers For Dummies

A slow cooker is truly a pleasure to use. Manufacturers seem determined to outdo themselves in making slow cookers more user-friendly and convenient, so you have plenty of options when picking out a slow cooker:

Shape: Slow cookers are available in two shapes: round and oval. The traditional round shape is perfect for making soups, chilis, and stews. The oval slow cooker can prepare larger pieces of food, such as whole chickens.
Size: For convenience, slow cookers come in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 1-quart to 7-quart capacity. The most popular size units are the 4- and 6-quart versions.
Heat-resistant glass cooking containers: Some new slow cookers have cooking containers made of heat-resistant glass that enables the user to brown over the stovetop and then continue cooking in the same container in the slow cooker.
Nonstick coating: If you don’t want to have to spray your slow cooker’s container with vegetable oil cooking spray, get a slow cooker that has a nonstick coating on the cooking container.
Divided container: You can find slow cookers that come with an inner pot that’s divided into two separate cooking compartments. This divided cooking system enables you to make two different dishes at the same time.
Digital settings: You can now find some slow cookers with a digital display. With the simple push of a button, you can choose the cooking time and temperature you desire.

Easy-transport innovations: You might want to get an attachment that anchors the lid to the base for trips in the car or an insulated carrying case.

About This Article

About the book author:

Tom Lacalamita (Long Island, New York) is a best-selling author of five appliance-related cookbooks. Nominated for a James Beard cookbook award, Tom is considered a national authority on housewares and has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows across the country. With a passion for food, cooking, and all sorts of kitchen gadgets, Tom is a spokesperson for various food and housewares manufacturers. He is the author of Slow Cookers For Dummies and Pressure Cookers For Dummies.

Glenna Vance (Milwaukee, WI) is director of consumer affairs for a major ingredient manufacturer in the Midwest. A published author, Glenna has been involved in developing consumer recipe programs with major appliance manufacturers and ingredient companies. As a board member of the Milwaukee chapter of the American Institute of Wine & Food, Glenna is instrumental in bringing nationally renowned culinary professionals to Milwaukee for culinary programs and events.